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Mike Collins

Mike Collins

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Collins, Jackson take Republican tickets

News Staff
Thursday, June 18, 2026
By Ty Tagami,Bureau ChiefCapitol Beat News ServiceATLANTA — U.S. Rep. Mike Collins defeated political newcomer Derek Dooley in the Republican runoff for U.S. Senate and will face incumbent Jon Ossoff in November.The second-term congressman from Jackson held more than a 10 percentage point margin...
Franklin County native Crystal Carey testifies before the U.S. Senate’s Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions as part of the process to become the General Counsel of the National Labor Relations Board. Photo courtesy of the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions.

Franklin County native Crystal Carey testifies before the U.S. Senate’s Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions as part of the process to become the General Counsel of the National Labor Relations Board. Photo courtesy of the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions.

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Carey serving as top labor official

News Staff
Thursday, June 11, 2026
By Shane ScogginsFranklin County Citizen LeaderA Franklin County native, with family ties to Hart County, is serving as the top U.S. official who ensures fair labor practices.Crystal Carey was sworn in Jan. 7 as the general counsel for the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB).The NLRB is an...
The Hartwell Sun

The Hartwell Sun

Bennett named co-principal of Mountain Education

News Staff
Thursday, June 11, 2026
Submitted by Mountain Education Charter SchoolMountain Education Franklin Campus announced that Lydia Bennett has been approved to serve as co-principal, effective July 2026.She will join Andrew Fowler in leading the Franklin campus and supporting the school’s mission of providing life-changing...
The Hartwell Sun

The Hartwell Sun

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Georgia tallies cost of gas tax suspension

Ty Tagami – Capitol Beat News Service
Thursday, June 11, 2026
ATLANTA — Drivers are paying the 33-cent-per-gallon excise tax at Georgia gas pumps again, but the suspension that ended Tuesday saved them nearly $200 million in May.Motor fuel tax collections fell by $199.6 million, or 99.5 percent, compared to May 2025, according to the Georgia Department of...
The Hartwell Sun

The Hartwell Sun

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Kemp adds local sales‑tax option to special session

News Staff
Thursday, June 11, 2026
By Ty Tagami,Bureau ChiefCapitol Beat News Serviceand Rose Scogginseditor@thehartwellsun.comATLANTA — Some homeowners could eventually see a rollback in their property tax bills after Gov. Brian Kemp revised his call for a special session.Last month, Kemp ordered lawmakers back to the Capitol to...
The Hartwell Sun

The Hartwell Sun

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To cover tax cuts, Gov. Kemp nixes new funds

Ty Tagami – Capitol Beat News Service
Thursday, May 28, 2026
ATLANTA — Among Gov. Brian Kemp's $300 million worth of vetoes earlier this month were money for reforestation, land conservation, historic building restoration, the arts and live performances and short-line railroads.The reason he gave in most instances: "The General Assembly failed to account for...